Energy conservation still critical at this time

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has reported that severe weather led to the loss of more than 50 generation units – a loss of more than 7,000 MW, due to the extreme cold temperatures across the state. As a result, ERCOT Grid Operations asked the utilities/transmission providers, including Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) to implement rotating outages until the load was reduced through conservation and restoration of generation units.
As of now, the rotating outages are no longer necessary. However, it’s possible that the energy usage will pick up considerably across the state when consumers return home from work and turn on their heaters, televisions, etc. If the usage increases too much, rolling blackouts could be a possibility once again.
Because of this, that ERCOT and BTU are urging customers to conserve as much energy as possible. Here are a few tips from the Public Utility Commission of Texas:
- Limit electricity usage to only consumption that is absolutely necessary. Turn off all unessential lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
- Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryer, coffee maker, pool pump, or other home appliances between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- When at home, open blinds and shades during sunny days to take advantage of the sun's natural heat. Turn down your thermostat to 68° in the daytime and 55° at night or when you're away from home.
Other tips can be found online here: http://www.puc.state.tx.us./ocp/conserve/

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